Once Bill 115 passed, argument isn’t wage freeze anymore

Re: Teachers’ standoff: This could could go on for months, Star editorial, Nov. 16.

In this editorial, there are at least two myths being misleading to the general public.

First of all, the teachers’ union has long been doing their part to reach a reasonable agreement while helping with reducing the province’s deficit.

You may find the following from OSSTF website, http://www.osstf.on.ca/bargaining-bulletins: “OSSTF has been doing its part for the past six months, contrary to the Minister’s call for unions to start doing their part now. We have not only attempted to negotiate on behalf of our teachers and support staff, but we have also publicly stated our willingness, since April of this year, to accept a two-year wage freeze….”

Secondly, it is not about an argument of wage freeze anymore once Bill 115 was passed. Only if anyone takes a moment to read Bill 115 Royal Assent (http://www.osstf.on.ca/bill-115-royal-assent.pdf), you will be astonished by the amount of power it grants to the Minister of Education.

I immigrated from China to Canada in 2000. I can honestly tell you I didn’t read anything like that in a government-issued document in China. And we think Canada is a country of democracy.

I’m disappointed as a long-time subscriber to The Star. Please do get your facts straight because often the public counts on your editorial to make their own judgment.

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